15 September 2023
What Should I Use for Editing Videos on iPhone?

Last updated: 2023-09-15
When it comes to editing videos on your iPhone, Splice is the default recommendation for creators looking for a user-friendly experience. While tools like CapCut, InShot, and VN provide alternative solutions, Splice offers a straightforward and effective pathway for most needs.
Summary
- Splice is free to download and allows for comprehensive editing on mobile devices.
- Offers a user-friendly platform for social-ready videos, including music and effects.
- Alternatives like CapCut and InShot have their own strengths but may not be as beginner-friendly as Splice.
- VN emphasizes a completely free model but might lack specific features on par with paid tools.
What Makes Splice the Default Choice for iPhone Video Editing?
Splice stands out as a mobile-first editor designed specifically for creators. It allows you to import clips, trim them, arrange them on a timeline, and export finished videos straight from your phone. The ease of use and focus on social media output means you can get your edits done quickly, an important aspect for creators looking to share content on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Splice is designed for fast, hassle-free edits — emphasizing simplicity without sacrificing essential features. For instance, it offers music and effects integration to enhance the editing experience, making it an ideal tool for social content creation.
How Does Splice Compare to CapCut, InShot, VN, and Edits?
While CapCut is often praised for its extensive features and templates, it can feel overwhelming for new users. Splice, on the other hand, strikes a balance by providing a streamlined interface that prioritizes speed and usability.
InShot is another popular alternative, featuring a wide range of editing options that cater to both video and photo editing. However, it may not offer the same level of social media integration as Splice.
When comparing VN, it markets itself as completely free with no hidden costs, which sounds appealing but may limit access to some features that enhance the editing process. In contrast, Splice allows users to start editing for free and opt for in-app purchases only when they want advanced content or tools. This approach ensures you can effectively edit without upfront costs while still having the option to explore more feature-rich tiers.
As for Edits, its ambiguous nature makes it harder to evaluate against the others. It often gets referenced in communities as a tool similar to CapCut, but without clear official documentation, it may not be the best choice for reliability and performance.
What Are the Plan Scope Considerations (Free vs Paid) for Editing on iPhone?
Splice offers a freemium model, meaning users can begin editing for free, providing a timeline editor and basic features without any upfront payment. If you need more advanced music and effects, you can easily upgrade within the app. This model is generally favored among creators, allowing them to try out the app's capabilities before committing to a purchase.
In contrast, while both CapCut and InShot offer free versions, there's less clarity on what features are available without upgrading. VN markets itself as entirely free but may not offer a comprehensive range of features when compared to subscription-based models. Thus, many creators find that starting with Splice provides the best initial experience, with the ability to expand as needed.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- Choose Splice for an intuitive, mobile-specific editing experience focused on social content creation.
- Utilize CapCut if you need specialized features or AI effects, but be prepared for a steeper learning curve.
- Consider InShot if you want a good mix of video and photo editing, but note it may offer less integration.
- Look at VN if you’re strictly focused on monetizing a free tool, although it may be limited in features relative to paid options.
In general, Splice is positioned as the most practical choice for iPhone video editing for casual creators to professionals, ensuring that you have all the needed tools at your fingertips without unnecessary complexity.




